Parts Most Frequently Used: Leaf, Nut, Seed​

Flavors/Temps: Bai Gou – Sweet, Bitter, Astringent, Neutral, Slightly Toxic. Bai Gou Ye – Sweet, Bitter, Astringent, Neutral

Caution: While considered safe when used properly, Ginkgo can interact with many prescription drugs, especially anticoagulants such as aspirin, warfarin, or coumadin, so be sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking it. Be careful not to use it in excess. It should not be used long-term or in large doses. Improperly prepared, the seeds can be toxic. They need their outer shells removed.

Key Constituents: Phenolic acids, Proanthocyanidins, Flavonoid glycosides (such as Quercetin, Kaempferol, Myricetin), Terpene trilactones, Bioflavones unique to Ginkgo, and Polyprenol

History/Folklore: Ginkgo is one of the longest-living trees in the world, with some trees said to be over 2,000 years old. It is the only living connection between ferns and conifers. One of its common names, the Maidenhair tree, derives from the fact that the leaves resemble Maidenhair ferns. The ginkgo of today matches fossil records dating back 270 million years. It is native to China, where the tree is now largely cultivated. The Chinese have prescribed ginkgo for asthma and bronchitis since 2600 BC. The first records of Europeans encountering the tree in Japanese temple gardens date from 1690. Its status in Buddhism and Confucianism led to the tree being planted in many other parts of Korea, Japan, and China. There is a 1,400-year-old ginkgo planted in the ancient Guanyin Chan Temple in China.

Studies show that ginkgo improves blood circulation, hence its ability to improve brain, eye, and leg circulation. There is, as yet, no evidence that ginkgo treats high blood pressure, post-stroke recovery, or altitude sickness, though it has been recommended to treat such conditions.

The seeds contain substances that appear to be antibacterial and antifungal, though they also contain toxins that could cause seizures or loss of consciousness; more study is needed to confirm actual benefits and how to minimize toxic side effects. The seed coats also show antibacterial properties against some intestinal bacterial pathogens. The chemical sarcotesta, found in the outer, fleshy coating of the seeds, can cause rashes or allergic reactions in some people, so wearing gloves while preparing the seeds is recommended.

The trees are so tenacious that a few trees living in Hiroshima, Japan, not only survived the dropping of the atomic bomb at the end of WWII but quickly regained their health and continue to grow there to this day. The tree is known as the “bearer of hope.”

Ginkgo nuts are used in rice soups, called conges, in Japan and China, and are very popular for weddings and celebrating Chinese New Year as part of a dish called Buddha’s Delight. They are eaten in small amounts as they contain toxic and allergenic alkylphenols. As a medicine, they are used in TCM to reduce coughs, stop diarrhea, and heal skin diseases and gonorrhea.

In TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), green ginkgo leaves treat brain disorders, circulatory disorders, and respiratory diseases. The fallen leaves are used as fertilizer and insecticides. Ginkgo leaf extract is used in cosmetics. The leaf extracts are the most widely sold phytomedicine for treating early-stage Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. Some studies indicate that ginkgo extract may support the male sex drive, but more results are needed to confirm these initial findings.

Good quality is white, full, and round. The fleshy coating of the seed has a putrid smell, similar to rancid butter. The inner seeds or nuts have a fishy taste.

Ginkgo trees symbolize peace, hope, duality, and love. The trees have two parts to their leaves and are either male or female. This suggests the notion of duality and love. It is also why the trees are associated with Yin and Yang. As a symbol of peace, strength, resilience, and hope, the surviving gingko trees in Hiroshima are an excellent example.

In Buddhism, the tree is called “Buddha’s fingernail” because its fan-shaped leaves suggest a closed hand in prayer to Buddha. In Buddhism, Taoism, and the teachings of Confucius, its twin-lobed leaves symbolize Yin and Yang and its long life, suggests immortality.